- Yaxel Lendeborg records 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 8 assists in near-triple-double performance
- UAB builds 16-point halftime lead, never trails after 14:40 first-half mark
- East Carolina's RJ Felton scores game-high 31 points in losing effort
- Blazers advance to face No. 2 seed North Texas in AAC semifinals
In a dominant display at Fort Worth's Dickies Arena, third-seeded UAB rode Yaxel Lendeborg's career night to secure their 21st victory of the season. The 6'9forward became the first Division I player since 2021 to post 30+ points, 20+ rebounds, and 5+ steals in a conference tournament game, cementing his status as one of college basketball's most versatile talents.
The Blazers established control early, converting 58% of first-half field goals while limiting ECU to 33 points before intermission. Lendeborg's 14-point, 11-rebound first-half double-double set the tone, with teammates Christian Coleman (13 points) and Alejandro Vasquez (12 points) providing efficient secondary scoring.
Despite RJ Felton's heroic 31-point effort for East Carolina, including four three-pointers, the Pirates couldn't overcome UAB's defensive pressure. The Blazers forced 14 turnovers and outrebounded ECU 42-34, with Lendeborg contributing four blocks to anchor the paint.
Industry Insight: Lendeborg's performance underscores the growing value of positionless basketball. Only three players in the last decade have matched his stat line, reflecting NBA scouts' increasing prioritization of multifaceted frontcourt players.
Regional Spotlight: Texas-hosted AAC tournaments continue favoring local teams. North Texas (UAB's semifinal opponent) boasts a 12-3 record at Dickies Arena since 2022, creating a compelling home-court advantage narrative.
Strategic Analysis: UAB's 22 fast-break points revealed their transition mastery, capitalizing on Lendeborg's defensive plays. This up-tempo approach could prove crucial against North Texas' slower-paced offense (ranked 328th in possessions/game).
With the NCAA Tournament bubble implications looming, UAB's victory strengthens their case for an at-large bid. Since 2015, 78% of AAC semifinalists have received March Madness invitations, per NCAA data.